Roberson inks deal, stays with OKC

Andre Roberson is back.

The 2nd Team All-Defensive NBA wing signed a three-year, $30 million deal to stay with Oklahoma City. Before the season, he was offered a four-year, $48 million offer sheet. He will miss out on about $2 million a season with this contract.

The Thunder have their starting five. Russell Westbrook, Roberson, the recently acquired Paul George and Patrick Patterson with Steven Adams will hear their names announced inside Chesapeake Energy Arena come October in a new season of Thunder basketball

Signing the four-year veteran has been one of the top priorities for the Thunder this offseason. Roberson, who will begin his fifth season come October, has established himself as one of the best defenders in the league, locking down opposing guards and forwards across the league.

With George in the thunder lineup, Roberson will likely slide back to the starting shooting guard spot but he’s capable of playing the three in a small lineup.

If Roberson can improve his offense over the duration of his contract, this deal is certainly a steal for the Thunder. With his signature, the Thunder can focus on returning to being on of the top defensive teams in the league.

Roberson and George have been on All-Defensive teams in their careers, Adams has the capability to be the best defensive center in the league and Patterson and Westbrook can play lockdown defense in their respective positions.

The Thunder probably aren’t done this offseason as far as moves for players. General manager Sam Presti may still have a few tricks up his sleeve. The Thunder still want to clear cap space to avoid going too deep into the luxury tax and they still need a backup point guard.

Signing Roberson will help this team compete against the offensive-heavy Western Conference. If Roberson improves his shooting stroke, he can become one of the most valuable shooting guards in the league.

Cameron Jourdan

I'm a senior at Oklahoma State University studying sports media. I'm one of three editors at TD and I'm the assistant sports editor for the O'Colly, the OSU independent student publications. I'm a football back judge for the OSSAA. I also cover #OKPreps and OSU sports.